Forgiveness

In 2 Cor 2:1-11 the Corinthians were commanded to forgive those that have caused grief. They were also commanded to comfort them and confirm their love toward them. I love Paul's counsel to comfort and love those who have wronged you. This can be extremely hard to do, but great blessings come to ourselves and those who have wronged when we forgive, comfort and show love. I think this is especially true in families where offenses often take place. Forgiveness and love can bring unity back to the family.

Forgiveness brings blessings. We learn in D&C 64:10 that the Lord will forgive who he will, but of us it is required to forgive all men. Our Heavenly Father has told us that if we will forgive others, then he will forgive us of our trespasses.

If we choose not to forgive, we are denying ourselves forgiveness from God (Matt 64:14-15). We will stand condemned before God and there remaineth in us the greater sin. (D&C 64:9-10). Paul taught the Corinthians that there was danger in failing to forgive. He taught that Satan could get the advantage over us.

I've been thinking about this assignment, and I wanted to add a few connections that I've made as I have pondered these verses in the scriptures. I had the opportunity to attend my brother's wedding in the Salt Lake Temple yesterday. His temple sealer taught that God does not command us to do anything that isn't for our good or to strengthen us. Forgiveness isn't always for the person who wronged us. When we forgive and let go of hurt, we free ourselves from feelings of anger, hurt and revenge, and as Paul taught, forgiveness provides protection from the adversary. It keeps him from getting advantage over us. This commandment is meant to bless us regardless of whether the offender has apologized or not. We do not need to hold onto to hurt or pain. The Lord will help us to forgive those who have wronged us.

To complete this assignment, I studied the required verses and made a list of the blessings and dangers that are associated with forgiveness.

I chose this assignment because forgiveness is a principle that everyone has to gain a testimony of. It can be really difficult to forgive those who have wronged us, but I think that it is important to be reminded that forgiveness is a commandment and if we want the Lord to forgive us, then we need to forgive others.

The best part about my assignment was making the connection that God's commandments are meant to strengthen us. While sometimes it may seem unfair to forgive an offender who has not repented, we can be assured that if we will keep the commandment to forgive, God will bless us and our lives will be enriched.

My assignment could have been improved by studying accounts of forgiveness in the scriptures. A few that come to mind are Nephi, Stephen, Jesus Christ. I also think that studying the connection that charity has to forgiveness could improve this assignment. It takes charity to forgive.